Steve Alpert was a TV producer in New York City, a frenetic Big Apple journalist, when September 11th happened, and he realized he had to do something different with his life. Constant deadlines, meetings, and phone calls filled his day, but he was missing something. His wife suggested painting. He knew it was the right thing to do.

In November 2003, two Black Hawk helicopters collided over Northern Iraq: Alpert found his subject. Painting after painting of helicopters flowed out of his brush: his studio wall was full of them. Alpert found a way to reach out to veterans through painting: he teaches at a Fordham University workshop for veterans, helping them paint to manage PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). He painted a triptych about a woman soldier saluting the flag: Joe BIden asked if he would loan it to the vice president’s residence for Christmas, and Alpert went from an relatively unknown painter to a man whose dedication to painting veterans and honoring their service has made him a familiar presence in Washington, D.C. circles.

Seven paintings in a series called “Full Honors” are on exhibit at the Pentagon since July 18. They will be at the Pentagon for a year. These full-size giclee prints of Alpert’s reflect his first visit to Arlington National Cemetery in 2014, where he met Chaplain (Captain) Matt Canada, U.S. Army. He was so moved by his tour of the cemetery he offered to make a painting of Canada officiating at a funeral ceremony. On May 27, 2015 he arrived to paint Canada’s final ceremony before leaving the Old Guard of the First Infantry Division.

The paintings, in the Pentagon’s third floor apex, Corridors 1 & 2, can be seen by those with access to the Pentagon — for now. Alpert said, “They are being exhibited with a series of large photographs from the exceptional organization TAPS, The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, that provides such amazing services for families who have lost a family member while serving.”

Alpert hopes to display his paintings to the general public later this year in the Arlington area, in conjunction with organizations that benefit veterans. He is looking for a suitable exhibition space. For more information, Alpert has a book of paintings, “Full Honors,” and a website: www.stevealpertart.com.